Still having problems with my wideband...

[SilverBullet00]

For some unknown reason my AEM UEGO wideband gauge is still eating sensors! I dont know what in the hell is going on, but I have 3 possible solutions I would like to share/discuss.

1) Throw it away/break it/sell it on ebay, and buy a different gauge
2) Try moving the wideband sensor closer to the collector (currently installed in my rear 02 port on the x pipe)
3) Throw it away/break it/sell it on ebay, and DONT buy a new one... the dyno said my AFR was good....


I am so pissed at this thing I am going to call AEM tomorrow and get an RA number to send it in. The only advice the "tech" dept can give me is to send it in and they can test it there....

I have tried different grounds, different power sourse, etc... nothing works. The sensors last about 2 weeks and then all the can read is stoich. You go WOT and it says I am 18+ lean... which you can tell by the pictures, I am not.

The dyno says I am right at 11.6-11.8, and the wideband reflects this when it works for the first two weeks, with a new sensor..

NOT lean

AND this is where I would move the sensor to.... right behind the flange on the x pipe.... aprox 18" closer

And thoughts are appreciated

 

[oxfordgt]

I have an autometer wideband and it works fine in the rear 02 bung. Do you have your wires running thru the gear shifter hole? If so check the wires and make sure they didnt get worn on the sharp edges and ground out.

 

[bhuff30]

I'd say the problem started with buying from AEM. They make a lot of cheap $#!^ for ricers.

Your sensor should be fine in the location it is in now. I'm not sure how hot your exhaust temps are, but on our 2.3s the 02 bung is directly after the turbine and that's too close. So leave it where it is.

You are turning the sensor on during normal driving, correct?

You can try sending it back to AEM to have them test it. Don't authorize any repairs unless it is covered by warenty though. If nothing comes of that, I'd sell it on ebay. Up to you if you buy a new one or not. It's nice to have, but I wouldn't run it full time.

 

[blkhorse]

water destroy's sending units and you appear to have lot's of condensation. I would move it to that spot(mount it as high as possible). maybe the water(condensation) issue is better there

 

[SilverBullet00]

Why do I have so much condensation? Could it be from my exhaust leaks? (I have many)

The gauge and sensor are always on. I know many people have these in their daily drivers... I might try getting something different and moving the bung closer. That part of my x pipe is removable so I can take that 12" section off and have it welded pretty easy. Then I can clock the bung anyway I want....

I am starting to think the gauge is just crap, and I need something better quality. I dont think its anything I am doing to it.

 

[darkside03gt]

I would switch to a autometer setup. bought mine from ebay for $260 shipped and i works great

 

[urban96]

id say all that water in there is ur problem

 

[BennyBlown2v]

Condensation looks like the problem! Have you tried putting the sensor in the other side of the x-pipe? Maybe one side has worse leaks and/or is more prone to condensation buildup.

 

[SilverBullet00]

The whole damn setup has exhaust leaks all over the place.... is that my problem? All the leaks are AFTER the wideband..

I have tried both sides of the x pipe...

 

[bhuff30]

I really doubt the condensation is the problem. I am betting you have condensation inside the exhaust because you backed the car out of the garage, quickly turned it off and took apart the exhaust? Every exhaust system will have condensation inside on a cold start because the pipes are cool. Besides, you don't hear anyone else complaining that their rear o2 sensors in that location stop working! Clearly, if condensation was a problem, Ford (and everyone that makes aftermarket H and X pipes) wouldn't put the 2nd sensor there. I have an offroad H pipe and used the rear sensor location for my wideband plenty of times with no problem.
Exhaust leakes after the sensor don't effect anything at all.
If you are using the correct sensor, then there has to be a problem with the controller. There are heaters inside the wide band sensor and the controller is probably burning these up.

 

[SilverBullet00]

I really doubt the condensation is the problem. I am betting you have condensation inside the exhaust because you backed the car out of the garage, quickly turned it off and took apart the exhaust? Every exhaust system will have condensation inside on a cold start because the pipes are cool. Besides, you don't hear anyone else complaining that their rear o2 sensors in that location stop working! Clearly, if condensation was a problem, Ford (and everyone that makes aftermarket H and X pipes) wouldn't put the 2nd sensor there. I have an offroad H pipe and used the rear sensor location for my wideband plenty of times with no problem.
Exhaust leakes after the sensor don't effect anything at all.
If you are using the correct sensor, then there has to be a problem with the controller. There are heaters inside the wide band sensor and the controller is probably burning these up.

That is true, I fired it up really quick to get it up on boards so I could jack it up. I know everyone runs their wideband sensors in the rear O2 ports, so I am convinced its the AEM Wideband causing all the problems.

If you go on their tech forum, EVERYONE is having problems with this thing. Damn, I really dont want to spend any more money..